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whatyoutolkienabout's review
5.0
Review: The Decagon House Murders Vol 1 by Yukito Ayatsuji and Hiro Kiyohara
I firstly must thank Kodansha for allowing me an e-Arc of this manga in exchange for an honest a fair review. The manga is based off of the best-selling novel by Yukito Ayatsuji of the same name. I will start by saying the volume seems to follow the basic premise and plot of the novel to great lengths. That being said you by no means need to have read the novel to enjoy the manga!
Since manga is a large part visual I have to say the artwork is beautiful. It might not be everyone’s choice but I found the character designs and scenery wonderful. The characters are believable and convey their personalities within their appearances as well. The pacing is also good, it gives you enough to keep you interested but not too much information in one go. Unlike a prose novel the story is obviously split between the artwork and the text and Hiro Kiyohara has managed to do this brilliantly.
I am definitely looking forward to a physical release of this title and the next volume in the series. I am hoping to read the novel side by side with the manga as well. I would definitely recommend the title to anyone who loves a good murder mystery or detective fiction/manga.
I firstly must thank Kodansha for allowing me an e-Arc of this manga in exchange for an honest a fair review. The manga is based off of the best-selling novel by Yukito Ayatsuji of the same name. I will start by saying the volume seems to follow the basic premise and plot of the novel to great lengths. That being said you by no means need to have read the novel to enjoy the manga!
Since manga is a large part visual I have to say the artwork is beautiful. It might not be everyone’s choice but I found the character designs and scenery wonderful. The characters are believable and convey their personalities within their appearances as well. The pacing is also good, it gives you enough to keep you interested but not too much information in one go. Unlike a prose novel the story is obviously split between the artwork and the text and Hiro Kiyohara has managed to do this brilliantly.
I am definitely looking forward to a physical release of this title and the next volume in the series. I am hoping to read the novel side by side with the manga as well. I would definitely recommend the title to anyone who loves a good murder mystery or detective fiction/manga.
itslorei's review
4.0
TW: Murder & Blood
•
4.75 ⭐️
What a surprise read.
This probably the first thriller/ mystery story I ever read (I honestly think) and really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed how the mangaka presented the panels and the consistent vibe or feel throughout the story telling from it’s beginning towards the end.
Other than that, all the characters really were fishy, I definitely would love to know more about what’s going in their heads and also follow them throughout the very end.
There were a lots of theory going on and I’m hella curious which one would turn out actually. I also wasn’t expecting that cliffhanger but it was so good.
Overall, this was such a good good read.
•
Thank you NetGally and Kodansha Comics for letting me review this book.
•
4.75 ⭐️
What a surprise read.
This probably the first thriller/ mystery story I ever read (I honestly think) and really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed how the mangaka presented the panels and the consistent vibe or feel throughout the story telling from it’s beginning towards the end.
Other than that, all the characters really were fishy, I definitely would love to know more about what’s going in their heads and also follow them throughout the very end.
There were a lots of theory going on and I’m hella curious which one would turn out actually. I also wasn’t expecting that cliffhanger but it was so good.
Overall, this was such a good good read.
•
Thank you NetGally and Kodansha Comics for letting me review this book.
snowreo's review
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Decagon House Murders introduces us to Ellery, Carr, Leroux, Poe, Agatha, Orczy, and Van, who are all members of K. University's Mystery Novel Research Association. As a club, they travel to Tsunojima Island to stay in a ten-sided house and investigate the mass murder of a couple and their servants that occurred on the island the previous year. Once arriving, things start to go sour. Back on the mainland, former club member Conan teams up with amateur detective Shimada and another club member Morisu to determine how this mass murder connects back to the death of the estate owner's daughter one year ago.
I originally requested this because I'm a huge manga fan and a mystery fan. Additionally, some of the reviews said it had a vibe similar to classics such as "And Then There Were None" and modern media such as Danganronpa and Bungou Stray Dogs. This felt like the perfect combination of things I love.
Usually I don't like to discuss the art too much when giving ratings, but I feel like I have to this time because oh my god. All of it was absolutely exquisite. Hiro Kiyohara did an amazing job of making all of the characters look so distinct and have their own unique aura and fashion senses. Their personalities were also extremely clear from their drawn mannerisms and facial expressions. This is definitely one of the only mangas where I've seen subtle changes of the face totally change the mood of the panel.
I also absolutely love the characters, each and every one of them. Even the ones that are meant to be more abrasive and hot-headed are just so charming that it's hard to dislike them. They're also extremely interesting, with their own different perspectives and styles of communicating. They feel so alive on the page. I cannot wait to learn more about them as individuals separate from their ties to the group (hopefully). I would definitely have to say that my favorites are Conan and Ellery though.
The central plot, the mysteries surrounding Tsunojima's old inhabitants, the Nakamura's, is so interesting. It draws from some of the best mystery classics while still establishing an identity of its own. Additionally, not everything is revealed at once, which allows the reader to fill in their own blanks to figure out what's going on. It just makes me want to keep reading more.
To finish, that ending!!! Literally the biggest cliffhanger in the world that it made me so sad to realize that I couldn't read the next chapters yet. I'm so excited to see what can happen.
I genuinely can say that there's nothing that I disliked about this manga. If you enjoy classic mysteries with complex plots and characters that still has the occasional lighthearted aura, this one is for you.
The Decagon House Murders introduces us to Ellery, Carr, Leroux, Poe, Agatha, Orczy, and Van, who are all members of K. University's Mystery Novel Research Association. As a club, they travel to Tsunojima Island to stay in a ten-sided house and investigate the mass murder of a couple and their servants that occurred on the island the previous year. Once arriving, things start to go sour. Back on the mainland, former club member Conan teams up with amateur detective Shimada and another club member Morisu to determine how this mass murder connects back to the death of the estate owner's daughter one year ago.
I originally requested this because I'm a huge manga fan and a mystery fan. Additionally, some of the reviews said it had a vibe similar to classics such as "And Then There Were None" and modern media such as Danganronpa and Bungou Stray Dogs. This felt like the perfect combination of things I love.
Usually I don't like to discuss the art too much when giving ratings, but I feel like I have to this time because oh my god. All of it was absolutely exquisite. Hiro Kiyohara did an amazing job of making all of the characters look so distinct and have their own unique aura and fashion senses. Their personalities were also extremely clear from their drawn mannerisms and facial expressions. This is definitely one of the only mangas where I've seen subtle changes of the face totally change the mood of the panel.
I also absolutely love the characters, each and every one of them. Even the ones that are meant to be more abrasive and hot-headed are just so charming that it's hard to dislike them. They're also extremely interesting, with their own different perspectives and styles of communicating. They feel so alive on the page. I cannot wait to learn more about them as individuals separate from their ties to the group (hopefully). I would definitely have to say that my favorites are Conan and Ellery though.
The central plot, the mysteries surrounding Tsunojima's old inhabitants, the Nakamura's, is so interesting. It draws from some of the best mystery classics while still establishing an identity of its own. Additionally, not everything is revealed at once, which allows the reader to fill in their own blanks to figure out what's going on. It just makes me want to keep reading more.
To finish, that ending!!! Literally the biggest cliffhanger in the world that it made me so sad to realize that I couldn't read the next chapters yet. I'm so excited to see what can happen.
I genuinely can say that there's nothing that I disliked about this manga. If you enjoy classic mysteries with complex plots and characters that still has the occasional lighthearted aura, this one is for you.
mehsi's review
5.0
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
So I just had had to get this manga from Netgalley. I mean, murder? A literature/mystery club travelling to a remote island that was the scene of murder? They are totally cut off and things start happening? YAS and YAS.
This just had all the vibes of an older manga despite being set more in the now-days. Which just made me love the story even more as I am a big fan of those. Plus, I just love that a lot of things don’t work on the island and that they were totally cut off. They were on their own. Or are they? That made things definitely a bit scarier and more exciting to read because you need to know. Is it one of their own… or is someone with them on the island. Out for revenge, or something else?
I am not sure how I felt about the peeps in the literature/mystery club. I mean, some of them definitely worked, but the guy who acts all bossy… not a fan of him. He reminds me of several other characters in anime that I just wanted to punch in the face. XD He seems all high and mighty and that is just not a character trait I enjoy in my characters. I think so far my favourite is one of the girls, the one who is all eager to get doing things. I do love that each of the club has a specific name from mystery novels. From Poe to Agatha. It was such fun (though yes, I am also curious about their real names).
And I was even more surprised that the island and the mystery club weren’t the only thing we saw! Oh no, we also go back to the mainland and see 2 other people from the literature club/mystery club, or well, not sure if they are totally still members, who get a mysterious envelope/card and are going to investigate… because they also know that things are going to get real bad on the island if these threats are to be believed. I loved that they found someone who believed them and who tried to help them out. I love finding out more about the club + more about mysteries and also about an event that happened some time ago… something also connected with the island which had me squeeing in delight and making me all the more eager to don my detective hat and get solving!
The ending, ARGHHHH, I don’t want a cliffhanger. NOOOOESSSS! I was so frustrated when I saw that ending come up and find out there were no more pages. No, you can not do that to me. No. I already wanted to read the next book but now I definitely need it. NOW. Pronto.
The art was just amazing, the backgrounds especially were just so life-like and I just felt like I could step into the story at any moment. Love love it!
I would definitely recommend this book to all, if you are into mysteries and murder and spooky things be sure to check out this manga.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So I just had had to get this manga from Netgalley. I mean, murder? A literature/mystery club travelling to a remote island that was the scene of murder? They are totally cut off and things start happening? YAS and YAS.
This just had all the vibes of an older manga despite being set more in the now-days. Which just made me love the story even more as I am a big fan of those. Plus, I just love that a lot of things don’t work on the island and that they were totally cut off. They were on their own. Or are they? That made things definitely a bit scarier and more exciting to read because you need to know. Is it one of their own… or is someone with them on the island. Out for revenge, or something else?
I am not sure how I felt about the peeps in the literature/mystery club. I mean, some of them definitely worked, but the guy who acts all bossy… not a fan of him. He reminds me of several other characters in anime that I just wanted to punch in the face. XD He seems all high and mighty and that is just not a character trait I enjoy in my characters. I think so far my favourite is one of the girls, the one who is all eager to get doing things. I do love that each of the club has a specific name from mystery novels. From Poe to Agatha. It was such fun (though yes, I am also curious about their real names).
And I was even more surprised that the island and the mystery club weren’t the only thing we saw! Oh no, we also go back to the mainland and see 2 other people from the literature club/mystery club, or well, not sure if they are totally still members, who get a mysterious envelope/card and are going to investigate… because they also know that things are going to get real bad on the island if these threats are to be believed. I loved that they found someone who believed them and who tried to help them out. I love finding out more about the club + more about mysteries and also about an event that happened some time ago… something also connected with the island which had me squeeing in delight and making me all the more eager to don my detective hat and get solving!
The ending, ARGHHHH, I don’t want a cliffhanger. NOOOOESSSS! I was so frustrated when I saw that ending come up and find out there were no more pages. No, you can not do that to me. No. I already wanted to read the next book but now I definitely need it. NOW. Pronto.
The art was just amazing, the backgrounds especially were just so life-like and I just felt like I could step into the story at any moment. Love love it!
I would definitely recommend this book to all, if you are into mysteries and murder and spooky things be sure to check out this manga.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
eileenthecrow's review
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this one blind, I will admit that the reason I picked it up was the cover. I assumed it was going to be an interesting read and was right. A couple of mystery club members go to a deserted island after series of murders are committed there to solve the mystery of the crime. And of course they will start dying one by one... Reminded me of "And Then There Were None" and Clue (my favorite board game), I enjoyed it so much but this volume is not enough, I need more! Right now I'm trying to decide if I want to pick up the novel or continue reading the manga adaptation... The story sounds interesting and I'm sure it will be more than just a "And Then There Were None" retelling. Can't wait to see how this mystery unfolds.
I went into this one blind, I will admit that the reason I picked it up was the cover. I assumed it was going to be an interesting read and was right. A couple of mystery club members go to a deserted island after series of murders are committed there to solve the mystery of the crime. And of course they will start dying one by one... Reminded me of "And Then There Were None" and Clue (my favorite board game), I enjoyed it so much but this volume is not enough, I need more! Right now I'm trying to decide if I want to pick up the novel or continue reading the manga adaptation... The story sounds interesting and I'm sure it will be more than just a "And Then There Were None" retelling. Can't wait to see how this mystery unfolds.
jessicarose's review
5.0
6 months ago, a brutal mass murder took place on a remote island. The case remains unsolved.
Today, the members of a university’s Mystery Club set out on a week-long trip to stay in the abandoned island’s mysterious Decagon House. Their plan is to dig deeper into the case, the reality is something a bit more sinister...
I loved this manga! I recently finished watching the Sherlock TV show and was still very much in the puzzle solving mindspace, so this really was a case of fantastic timing.
I loved the characters! We have 10 recurring characters here that have a wide range of distinct, tropey personalities that were SO fun to read. Their interactions with each other were an absolute joy throughout. Despite the large cast, I was never confused of who was who and it was really easy to catch on to each of their quirks. I don’t think I could even pick a favourite, but it might be a battle between Ellery, Leroux, Agatha and Morisu.
The atmosphere on the island and in Decagon House was chilling and unsettling, and the art was fantastic, really expressive. I especially loved the architecture.
I really don’t have anything bad to say about this, other than being sad only one volume is out! I’ll definitely be picking up the novel this manga was based off of because after that cliffhanger ending, I’m dying to know what happens next.
If you love murder mysterys, a chilly atmosphere and a large cast of quirky characters, pick this up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Today, the members of a university’s Mystery Club set out on a week-long trip to stay in the abandoned island’s mysterious Decagon House. Their plan is to dig deeper into the case, the reality is something a bit more sinister...
I loved this manga! I recently finished watching the Sherlock TV show and was still very much in the puzzle solving mindspace, so this really was a case of fantastic timing.
I loved the characters! We have 10 recurring characters here that have a wide range of distinct, tropey personalities that were SO fun to read. Their interactions with each other were an absolute joy throughout. Despite the large cast, I was never confused of who was who and it was really easy to catch on to each of their quirks. I don’t think I could even pick a favourite, but it might be a battle between Ellery, Leroux, Agatha and Morisu.
The atmosphere on the island and in Decagon House was chilling and unsettling, and the art was fantastic, really expressive. I especially loved the architecture.
I really don’t have anything bad to say about this, other than being sad only one volume is out! I’ll definitely be picking up the novel this manga was based off of because after that cliffhanger ending, I’m dying to know what happens next.
If you love murder mysterys, a chilly atmosphere and a large cast of quirky characters, pick this up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
bugaboobear's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I read the novel this is based on earlier this year and loved it. I think this is a very good adaptation. They changed Conan's gender but I think that was a good choice; the book was a little light on female characters before and it doesn't change the story at all.
They also changed one of the deaths, but it also doesn't change the story. I think it was just to make it more visually interesting.In the novel, Chiori dies of alchohol poisoning, but in this version she drowns in a boating accident.
I really enjoyed the Manga, can't wait to read the next one!
They also changed one of the deaths, but it also doesn't change the story. I think it was just to make it more visually interesting.
I really enjoyed the Manga, can't wait to read the next one!
dinnureads's review
5.0
I received an e-book copy of The Decagon House Murders Vol.1 through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, I absolutely loved it! First of all, I really enjoy old school detective novels and this was absolutely brilliant and secondly, I can’t get enough of graphic novels and mangas, especially with art so pretty as this one has. This book basically combined two of my favourite things and it had a very interesting plot.
Wow, I absolutely loved it! First of all, I really enjoy old school detective novels and this was absolutely brilliant and secondly, I can’t get enough of graphic novels and mangas, especially with art so pretty as this one has. This book basically combined two of my favourite things and it had a very interesting plot.
darkpsychereads's review
5.0
This was a very enjoyable crime thriller/horror manga, and I'm dying to know more from the next volume! I love locked-room murder mysteries, and exploring a visual format of that with some beautiful artwork is great.
Plot: A bunch of college students that are part of a murder mystery club, decide to visit an island where a horrible murder occurred the year before. They stay in the Decagon house, built by the eccentric architect who died in the same incident. Immediately, we get an eerie atmosphere from the remoteness of the island, and the strange claustrophobic, dizzying decadon-shaped hall of the house (10-sided walls). Tensions begin to rise and trust dwindles between the students, as strange incidents unfold. Meanwhile, simultaneously, we also piece together the mystery from the mainland, where one student (and ex-club member) receives a strange letter from the deceased architect.. which plummets her into some hardcore investigating.
What I enjoyed:
The character setup and development is really good, we get a mix of diverse and mysterious characters. If you're looking for spooks and atmosphere, this one hits the mark. The choice of visuals really captures the mood of the story, and the character dynamics. Overall, it's a very balanced story. One thing I appreciate in manga, and particularly this one too, is the depth of intellectual discourse is of a certain level that really tingles the sapiophile brain. That, tied in with the logic puzzle of playing detective creates wonderfully engaging material. There's also a splash of humour and light heartedness to enjoy, which includes the comical story-breaker intermission panels at the end which are just some fun panels that help get to know the characters better (excuse my lack of manga/comic knowledge on what this term is, I tried to look it up and I've even done a graphic novel unit at uni! Oh, for shame!).
I am definitely invested in the rest of this series and would recommend for manga fans, as well as thriller/horror fans looking to branch out into something different.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kodansha publishing and Yukito Ayatsuji (writer) & Hiro Kiyohara (artist), for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!
Plot: A bunch of college students that are part of a murder mystery club, decide to visit an island where a horrible murder occurred the year before. They stay in the Decagon house, built by the eccentric architect who died in the same incident. Immediately, we get an eerie atmosphere from the remoteness of the island, and the strange claustrophobic, dizzying decadon-shaped hall of the house (10-sided walls). Tensions begin to rise and trust dwindles between the students, as strange incidents unfold. Meanwhile, simultaneously, we also piece together the mystery from the mainland, where one student (and ex-club member) receives a strange letter from the deceased architect.. which plummets her into some hardcore investigating.
What I enjoyed:
The character setup and development is really good, we get a mix of diverse and mysterious characters. If you're looking for spooks and atmosphere, this one hits the mark. The choice of visuals really captures the mood of the story, and the character dynamics. Overall, it's a very balanced story. One thing I appreciate in manga, and particularly this one too, is the depth of intellectual discourse is of a certain level that really tingles the sapiophile brain. That, tied in with the logic puzzle of playing detective creates wonderfully engaging material. There's also a splash of humour and light heartedness to enjoy, which includes the comical story-breaker intermission panels at the end which are just some fun panels that help get to know the characters better (excuse my lack of manga/comic knowledge on what this term is, I tried to look it up and I've even done a graphic novel unit at uni! Oh, for shame!).
I am definitely invested in the rest of this series and would recommend for manga fans, as well as thriller/horror fans looking to branch out into something different.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kodansha publishing and Yukito Ayatsuji (writer) & Hiro Kiyohara (artist), for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!